From the company that gave us the hard-to-define X6 comes the equally unique 5 Series Gran Turismo.

» See the gallery

Combining an understated coupé-like silhouette with the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series, while giving the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5, the new arrival is as likely to split opinion as the X6.

The 19th distinct model shape from BMW has a vehicle length nearly on par with a 7 Series to create a greater feeling of space inside. This translates into the second greatest amount of legroom offered by any BMW while headroom is equivalent to that of a BMW X5.

Meanwhile, boot space can be enhanced from 440 litres up to 1700 litres, only 50 litres behind the capacity of the BMW X5 and the second largest space compared to all current BMWs.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as either a four-seat Executive specification car for a more comfort or in a five-seat SE configuration for more practicality. But BMW reckons its real innovative feature is a two-piece tailgate.

A more conventional saloon style boot opening provides access for smaller objects. This allows the cabin area to remain warm and without noise intrusion. The hatch-style opening combined with a flexible partition comes into play when making full use of the car's load-lugging capacity. The rear seats can be moved 100mm fore or aft to either increase boot space or provide greater legroom for rear seat passengers. With the rear seats moved forwards, the seat backs folded virtually flat and the parcel shelf removed and stowed beneath the luggage compartment floor, much bulkier items can then be transported.

Unique styling

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has been styled to represent its unique position in the market. The familiar BMW kidney grilles and large air intakes hint at the car’s performance potential, while a roof line that curves downwards towards the rear and the frameless doors both give a coupé feel.

Inside, the seats are all set in a semi-command driving position for forward vision as well as comfortable access. In fact, one of the selling points is the height of the seats which allows for the luxury of a 7 Series but also the feeling of security and all round visibility a car with a command driving position such as the X5 offers.

Black Panel technology first shown on the 7 Series features for an added touch of luxury. Black Panel technology is a signature piece of design that allows the displays of the centre console to double as a stylish trim. The electronic displays are visible through the Black Panel technology when needed, but are discreet enough to form a black band across the interior. Control switches in galvanised metal are set into the centre console by way of contrast.

A question of power

In Europe three models are available at launch. The biggest seller is predicted to be the BMW 530d GT. This 2993cc six-cylinder car features third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors. Producing 245hp at 4000rpm, the 530d accelerates from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 149mph. The peak torque of 540Nm is available from 1750rpm, while combined fuel consumption is 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions 173g/km.

Joining the diesel-powered car is the 535i GT. This 2979cc six-cylinder powerplant is the first ever to combine a single turbo with Valvetronic — BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. The 306hp engine allows for a zero to 100km/h time of 6.3 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. Consumption and emissions figures are 31.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 209g/km.

Topping the range is the 550i GT. Powered by a 407hp 4395cc V8 engine with twin-turbo technology, it ensures a zero to 100km/h time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically-limited 250km/h top speed. Peak torque of 600Nm is on hand from 1750rpm through to 4500rpm. The BMW 550i GT records a combined consumption figure of 25.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 263g/km.

All cars come as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox announced earlier this month on the 760Li. The all-new transmission is 6.0 percent more fuel efficient than the previous six-speed automatic yet it is as compact and weighs the same.

Technology talks

The 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with many of the EfficientDynamics technologies already shown on other BMWs. "Brake Energy Regeneration" which recharges the vehicle’s battery during engine over-run is standard. On-demand control of the car’s ancillary units such as the electrical coolant pump and the powering steering pump can all be decoupled to save draining power from the engine. Active aerodynamics also plays a part in the range’s performance and efficiency by closing off flaps behind the kidney grilles to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

All cars come as standard with "Drive Dynamic Control", a feature first showcased on the BMW 7 Series, that allows the driver to fine tune the chassis configuration to suit their needs. Drivers will be able to specify Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, with each setting changing the steering assistance, throttle response and gear change characteristics.

Double wishbone front suspension and an integral V rear axle with air suspension provide a composed ride. The car is also available with "Integral Active Steering" instead of the standard hydraulic steering configuration with Servotronic assistance for enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.

More bang for buck

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with a level of standard specification greater than previously offered on any 5 Series. Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and metallic paint are included. A USB audio interface, ambient lighting and heated front seats are also standard.

Features such as "Reversing Assist Camera" and "Side View" camera capability are available. The Reversing Assist Camera works in conjunction with the "Park Distance Control" system to provide a 360° picture of the car when manoeuvring at slow speeds.

The Side View camera option allows drivers to pull out of blind junctions with confidence. A host of additional optional equipment from "Night Vision" with pedestrian recognition and "Head-up Display" to "Active Cruise Control" with "Stop & Go" can be specified.

Now all that remains is to figure out where this car fits in.